such a distance, is a question that has long puzzled the ablest geologists. Immediately above the "shabby genteel" stratum are found the people who "keep a shop concern, but no shay;" it is the uppermost layer of the Metamorphic Class, and, in some instances, may be detected mingling with the supra-genteel _Clapham Group_. The "shop and no shay" stratum forms a considerable portion of the London basin. It is characterised by its coarseness of texture, and a conglomeration of the parts of speech. Its animal remains usually consist of retired licensed victuallers and obese tallow-chandlers, who are generally found in beds of soft formation, separated from superincumbent layers of Marseilles quilts, by interposing strata of thick double Witneys. Having proceeded thus far upwards in the social formation, we shall pause until next week, when we shall commence with the lower portion of the TRANSITION CLASS--the "shop and shay people"--and, as we hope, convince our readers of the immense importance of our subject, and the great advantage of studying the strata of human life [Illustration: UNDER A GREAT MASTER.] * * * * * COVENTRY'S WISE PRECAUTION. Some person was relating to the Earl of Coventry the strange fact that the Earl of Devon's harriers last week gave chase, in his demesne, to an unhappy donkey, whom they tore to pieces before they could be called off; upon which his lordship asked for a piece of chalk and a slate, and composed the following _jeu d'esprit_ on the circumstance:-- I'm truly shocked that Devon's hounds The gentle ass has slain; For _me_ to shun his lordship's grounds, It seems a warning plain. * * * * * CONTINUATIONS FROM CHINA. It is generally reported that the usual _drill_ continuations of the British tars are about to be altered by those manning the fleet off China, who purpose adopting _Nankin_ as soon as possible. * * * * * THE VERY "NEXT" JONATHAN. There is a Quaker in New Orleans so desperate _upright_ in all his dealings, that he won't sit down to eat his meals. * * * * * [Illustration] POOR JACK.